The 1973 model year was the last for Chrysler’s popular 340 cubic inch “small block” V8. It had been especially potent in light cars like the Dodge Challenger and Plymouth Barracuda. The seller’s ’73 ‘Cuda 340 is a numbers-matching driver-quality vehicle that has probably been partially restored over time. Located in Grant, Florida, this Mopar doesn’t appear to have any immediate wants besides a new owner. It’s available here on eBay for $38,500.
Barracuda sales were particularly hit hard by the declining interest in muscle cars in the 1970s. With a complete redesign in 1970, Barracuda sales slumped from nearly 49,000 copies in 1970 to barely 19,000 by 1973. That’s fewer pony cars than even American Motors sold, which peddled about 31,000 Javelins in ’73. ‘Cuda 340s with an automatic transmission like this only found 4,500 buyers that year (just as the OPEC oil embargo was about to take shape and further affect industry sales).
At 127,000 miles, this looks like a solid Plymouth. But cars in those days didn’t usually see the odometer turn over without needing some refreshing. We know nothing of this ‘Cuda’s history, and the engine compartment reflects some cosmetic and mechanical afterthoughts, including headers. The seller says the car performs as it should, so we assume it’s ready to be driven anywhere with year-old tires and aftermarket wheels.
There is no rust on this unibody Plymouth, and the Autumn Bronze Poly looks good, at least at 10 feet. The muscle car has a vinyl roof covering, which may be okay. And the interior is tidy and ready for someone to get in and grab the Slap Stick shifter. We’re told this could be a $70,000 car with a bit of effort, so what would you have to do to bridge the gap between that and this $38,500 automobile?
> We’re told this could be a $70,000 car with a bit of effort
Haha who told you that?!? The only way this gets to be a $70k car is if you magically made it three years older with an original numbers-matching big block. Nice enough car but this is all the money for a ‘73, nowadays. Also, lose the window tint.
Same as trade appraisals. I’ve asked if there was something illegal in the glove box or trunk.
And it doesn’t even have a rally dash!
OK but have you tried to buy ANY year Cuda in good driving condition in 2025? I saw a ’74 (months too late) for 45k and that is the lowest I’ve seen a respectable car in some time. (Something you could take to a show and not get ribbed by the purists.)
Like the colors on this one. Nice
Love the color combo!
Finally a clean rust free Mopar! It has A/C and stock looking mufflers. Price seems OK compared to other vehicles/projects out there that either do not run or need more work.
I don’t understand what is going on with the underhood paint colour? What colour should it be?
best
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I agree, something isn’t right. What appears to be a faded red (in an area that rarely fades, to boot) should, as with all Chrysler products of the era, match the exterior.
Looks like the car was originally K3 (burnt orange), but got a repaint with K5 (deep burnt orange). Both were ’73 shades, so it would be a pretty easy error for a paint shop to make.
The last of a breed today’s Challengers and Chargers don’t come close for originality.
This is not a Cuda, it is a regular old Barracuda. The seller never says it is, so somewhere along the line of this becoming a BF article, it got transformed into a Cuda.
For what it is, it is fairly priced, given the claimed originality and condition.
Unfortunately most E bodies suffer from rot in areas less accessible than the aforementioned floors and frame rails. They’re especially prone to rot in the lower cowl which is a complex repair, inner and outer rear wheel wells and inner front fenders. With a vinyl roof you can add A pillars to that list. This is one style of car where a personal inspection is absolutely mandatory.
Nice car, that’s all the money and then some, tinted windows kill it, take them off